Maundy Thursday

For those who don’t know, Maundy Thursday is the Thursday of Holy Week and is also known as Holy Thursday.  It is a celebration and observation of Holy Communion and the washing of the disciple’s feet by Jesus.  At my church, it is also an opportunity to confess our sins (in a drawn-out, detailed manner) and to have our Pastor lay hands on us and forgive us our sins.  This is one of my favorite parts of the service just because it is a comforting reminder that, as a saved child of God, I am forgiven.  Yes, we have confession of sins most Sundays and I know I can ask God to forgive my sins any time and any place. But it is a nice ritual to kneel in front my Pastor, have him place his hands on my head and tell me my sins are forgiven.

About the name of the day.  Maundy Thursday.  I did some research on it and found a lot of explanation for Maundy.  But the one explanation I like is: “The word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word for “command.” The “Maundy” in Maundy Thursday refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another.” (from http://www.gotquestions.org/Maundy-Thursday.html).  I like that.  We are commanded to love and serve one another.  It’s the whole point and why we are here.  In other words, love one another as Christ has loved us. Hopefully, just was we are forgiven any time and any place we ask for forgiveness, we also will remember to love each other any time and any place and not just at church or on holidays.